Showing posts with label Hua Hin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hua Hin. Show all posts

Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Anantara Hua Hin

With booking through RCI,  we got ourselves a room for 7 nights stay at Anantara Hua Hin, about 2.5 hrs from Bangkok. This resort is oceanfront.  We paid SGD229 (RM780.45) booked early December 2024.

Upon arrival, only that I know that it was a Club Lagoon View Junior Suite after looking at their website.




Benefits that come with the room as Anantara Privileges for Suites Guest

  • Overlooking the Lagoon
  • Private balcony or terrace
  • Terrazzo soaking tub
  • Nespresso machine
  • Daily complimentary laundry or pressing of 4 pieces garment
  • 20% discount of 60-90 minutes spa treatment 
  • 150% discount for food and drinks serve in Lagoon Pool
  • Exclusive Access to Lagoon Pool and Spa with a quite zone of swimming pool
  • Complimentary refreshments from 10am to 5 pm 
  • Complimentary canapes and selection of cocktails, wines and beer from 5-6pm
  • Complimentary shuttle to town and Market Mall
  • Late check out till 4pm




There are swimming pool, gym, tennis court, small badminton area, table tennis and daily scheduled activities. 

There are six dining options 
Issara Cafe - breakfast
Sea Fire Salt - oceanfront
Loy Nam - poolside
Rim Nam - thai cuisine
Baan Halia - Italian fine dining
Sala Siam - contemporary lounge

Overall it was a satisfactory stay, quick check in/check out, comfortable room. Glad that we were able to have a short break with no fix time/schedules.



Explore Hua Hin

When I saw there is unit available at Anantara Hua Hin, I asked my other half if he is keen since I have points to utilize before RCI points expiry July 2025. The last trip we went was year 2014, that long ago! We went by car driven by Vich, sister's boyfriend at that time, now they are married. 




Our Air Asia flight landed 3.20pm Thai time, after immigration we went to Hertz counter where hubby has booked Toyota Yarris (RM879.14) with Klook for our trip. We waited about 30mins before we got the car and set our waze to the resort. We reached Med Krudsai, restaurant by the beach at 6.40pm, had our dinner which we find not too good, simple crab fried rice was not tasty at all, lucky the steamed blue crab was fresh, somtam is not crunchy, bbq squid was too hard(THB1035). 

Finally we checked into hotel after a whole day journey. The toll paid twice along the way THB90 and THB50. 

Day 2 
We had brunch at Jek Piek follow by stroll at Chatchai wet market (5am till 4pm). By the way, market is hubby favourite place! At Jek Piek we had chicken rice, porky soup and 2 drinks cost THB170 and bought delicious tako (THB30) from roadside stall. After brunch, we passed by a stall selling fried banana, pineapple fritters and sweet potatoes ball at Thanon Naebheart. At wet market we bought preserved century egg (which hubby tried at night which he said creamy good), dried squid strip and mango sticky rice. 

Back to hotel, we had complimentary drinks at the Lagoon pool and bar before heading back to room. 

Saphan pla night market which we explored in the evening. Parking was THB40.  You can park further and walk over. Had the stir fried squid egg (THB60) there. Thereafter we went to Hua Hin night market and wanna get our Chim Chun at Jek Piek, but no tables and kitchen closing 7.30pm. So we left and had road side stall pad thai and coke THB70 and dessert THB60 instead (soya milk bubble tea and glutinous sasame ball in ginger syrup at Thanon Naebheart. Back to hotel, we  checked out swimming pool area and sat by the beach, listening to wave and saxophone played by musician at Sea Fire Salt restaurant facing the sea. 

Day 3 
We drove to Aunty Meaw โจ้กป้าเหมี่ยว for delicious porridge with pork and innards also egg (THB40), mini Pau 3 for (THB20) and half boil egg breakfast (THB20). The owner a 75yo lady asked me if I am teochew. Hahaa.. Found kakinan (same dialect). She looked so happy when I took a photo with her. 

Khao Takiab - This hill is situated at the southern end of Hua Hin, 4 kilometers from town. Visitors can go up the hilltop to enjoy a bird's eye view of Hua Hin, There is a temple call Wat Khao Takiap situated on top of the hill. The nearby Khao Takiap Beach offers mostly bungalow accommodations. 

Massage for an hour at Sabaidee massage and spa. Hubby took foot and myself thai massage, total spent THB600. We have given masseuse each THB100 as their tips. Then off we went to Lek Seafood, crab fried rice, squid steam lemon, bbq river prawn and oyster omelette and toddy drink cost us THB910. A Malaysian stopped his car to ask the owner for direction to Standing Buddha. He reminded me that is one of the place in mind that I wanted to visit. 

After lunch, we went explored and found it. The giant golden Buddha Statue standing 200 meters tall against the cliff has become a landmark of Khao Takiab. Glad I visited after walking down about 135 steps and after that walked up the same again to get our car.

Wanted to buy Famous Mango Sticky Rice but it closes earlier maybe finished. Went to the banana fritters (THB20) stall as hubby wanted to eat. Back to the private pool area, had complimentary juice and tea to go with the banana fritters. 







We had a rest before I head out alone to Lagoon Bar at 5.30pm which serve daily happy hour drinks (alcoholic and non) and canapés offering 5 - 6pm. Few type cocktails, beer, red and white wine to choose from. So many European/American guests filling up all the sofas here enjoying themselves. 

One of the benefit we were given free laundry 4 pieces of garments daily. Also 15% good discount at Lagoon Pub, 20% discount for 60-90 mins spa treatment which we did not utilise, complimentary shuttle to town.

We went to Tamarind (Thurs till Sun) and Cicada weekend (Fri till Sun) night market. Tamarind is more of food, some souvenirs stall. As for Cicada more of arts, souvenirs, lesser food stall. Both with live singing. It was real happening packed with people having beers.  Parking at Tamarind cost you THB50 per entry.

We had our noodle dinner, not far from hotel each person a bowl cost THB80

Day 4, we woke up late and went to Pranburi Forest Park. Hubby has coconut milk shake (THB65) but I dare not coz stomach not well, could be from the oyster omelette from yesterday lunch. 

We explored to a homecooked restaurant ร้านอาหาร กับข้าวตายาย​ for lunch after google nearby restaurant but it seems not too near. We ordered crab omellete, fish cake, clear Tom Yum prawn, cabbage. The bill came up to THB520. The portion was generous and we nearly could not finish all 😅. 

Back to hotel, we had a rest and then head out at 5.30pm for a drink and canape, daily complimentary by the hotel. We played a short while badminton, had a stroll near the beach, laze around the beach chair before heading back to room for a bath as we planned to go out for light dinner not too far from hotel, about 5 minutes. We saw these few stalls side by side and decided to have a try. We shared a plate of fragrant chicken rice THB40 and ice tea THB30. Still cheap ya eating in this small town. 

Day 5
Breakfast at Jek Lek, he had Tom yum noodle and I had porridge. Bought the Patonggo and kaya as dipping THB20 to try out.  Still the ones in Bangkok China Town unbeatable. Went to Hua Hin Railway Station. Follow by Huay Mongkol. Gave a donation and gotten the Luang Phor Thuad amulet. There is also a deer park and another temple nearby. Back to hotel before we head out at 5pm for Jek Leik Chim Chun (THB25). Then we went to Hua Hin Market Mall, walked around and had Swensen 2 scope ice cream, our favourite rum and raisin and almond mocha, their signature THB138 before heading back for the night. 

Day 6
We went to Chatchai wet market, bought the century egg (THB8 each), then had chicken rice, same row at Jek Piek for brunch. Then off to Rajabakti Park, end in Bluport Mall before heading back for a rest. 

Our dinner  5 minutes from hotel
ร้านข้าวต้มโฟนลิงค์์์ (Phonelink Restaurant), about 5 minutes from hotel, a thai chinese restaurant open 5pm till 4am. Had snapper in tamarind sauce, morning glory and Tom yum prawn (THB595). Back to hotel sat at the lobby listening to live singing by a duo singers

Day 7 
Our last brunch at Jek Piek, we had noodle soup, tomyum mama noodle. Porky soup and fish cake. Total spent THB260. Hubby's favorite banana fritters and pineapple fritters where it's batter is so fragrant. Spent Thb50. The stall is closed on Wednesday as we passed by yesterday and was closed.
 
Enjoying our moktail at lagoon bar before going back to our room. It was so windy today. Our last day here before we check out early tomorrow heading to Bangkok 

 
Dinner at Phonelink Restaurant, afraid of can't finish we had asparagus, crab meat roll, goong on woonsen, dessert, a drink THB415. 
We went to Twelve Victory Money Changer to change our USD100 to THB3345.  However if you use USD20 denomination to change, you will get lesser i.e. THB3280.

We ending our night here with Swensen. How can we leave without having our favorite Rum and Raisin! We ordered 5 scoop mixture THB239 2 rum, thai milk tea, vanilla, mocca almond. 

Day 8
We woke up early to prepare ourselves. By 7.30am we were ready to check out from hotel, returning the key to lobby.  Travelling back to Bangkok, we stopped to fill up the petrol to full tank (THB910) and returning the car to Hertz bu 11am at the arrival.  Immigration clearance was fast, we had street food (noodles) THB345 near terminal 2 before heading in to gate.  We ended in Miracle Lounge using hubby's dragon pass. We still had ample time as boarding was 2.15 pm. 

The flight was delayed 45 minutes due to rain where off loading and loading the luggage was interrupted. 

Anyway, we enjoyed the vacation. 

Wednesday, 8 October 2014

Sawasdee Bangkok

I was eager to be in Bangkok to meet my youngest sister who is now working there.  Could not describe the excitement of seeing her at Don Meaung Airport when she and her fiance came to give us a warm welcome.

Thanks to my sister who prepared my itinerary, done the hotel booking at Mybed @ Ratchada and Let's Sea al Fresco Resort, Hua Hin. Both a night stay each.  I have my booking with RCI for the next 6 nights in Bangkok at Grand Tower Inn, Rama VI.

We took Air Asia flight departed at 7 pm from KLIA2 - "Airport in Mall, Mall in Airport" Concept for the first time .  Landed Bangkok at about 8.15 pm (2 hours 15 minutes flight).  Thailand is an hour behind us. We bought from DTAC unlimited data for 7 days which cost us THB299 inclusive of free calls of THB40.

Off we went for supper at Lat Phrao  roadside stalls selling bamee tomyam, clear soup noodle, spicy soup noodle, only at THB40 per bowl before we were dropped off at Mybed Ratchada Hotel, a clean and cool concept hotel at THB900 per night.  Complimentary wifi in room and cofee tea facility 24 hours at lobby.  This hotel was just 5 minutes away from my sister's apartment.


Lobby of Mybed Ratchada Hotel.
Lad Prao area



Next morning, after breakfast nearby the hotel, we were picked up from our hotel by my sister and her fiance and off we ventured to Hua Hin.  Enroute, we stopped at PTT Park/Fuel Station to purchase snack and Khaw Wang (Palace) at Petchaburi for palm juice (sea coconut), if in cup THB10 and bottle THB35. Nearby, you could find a famous noodle shop.

We went to Santorini Park, entrance fee THB50 per pax and bought some tshirts there and took lots of pictures. If you enjoy waterpark, you may go opposite their water fantasy for some fun.  After Santorini, we went for lunch besides the beach at Krua Medsai Seafood Restaurant in Petchaburi province.  We had primantis prawn 500 gm, flower crab 1 kilo, seabass salted grilled, somtam, squid steam lime juice, clear tomyam prawn,grilled mussel, grilled fish and drinks for 5 of us THB1,835.  We loved the food here.



Refreshing Palm Juice



Fresh & Aroy Primantis Prawn Chaa Am


After lunch, we checked into the beautiful Let's Sea Al Fresco Resort. My sister booked two units, one room direct to pool and another room upstairs which had roof top which we enjoyed at night having wine and food stuff bought from night market. As for dinner, we went to Jek Piek Restaurant for their Chim Chun (Thai Steamboat) and satay.  We had steamboat (THB200),20 sticks of satay (THB70), claypot soohoon prawn (THB170) with drinks and the bill came out to THB480.  We proceeded to Chatsila night market (Daily 6 pm - 3 am) and Cicada night market   (Sat 4pm-11pm, Sun 4pm-10pm) before we went back to our resort.
Let's Sea Resort

Cicada Night Market

The very next day, after breakfast at the hotel which you may choose from the menu as each person was entitled to meal worth of THB690, we went for ATV and back to hotel for a dip into the pool before we checked out.  We went straight for the famous and aroy Mango Sticky Rice located at Naresdamri Road nearby Hilton Hotel. Each packet will cost you THB80.  We had lunch nearby at Chaolay Seafood Restaurant which I did not find their seafood fresh.  On way back to Bangkok, we went for shopping spree at Cha am Premium Outlet prior to check into Grand Tower Inn Rama XI Road Hotel.  Besides Grand Tower, there was this North East Cuisine Restaurant where we had duck, beef, and thai steamboat for dinner.

Next morning we boarded a taxi from our hotel to Platinum Shopping Mall, THB80 for about 25 minutes journey.  We had our brunch 5 portion of moo ka rice and one each dry wanton noodle and soup noodle which cost us THB70.  This small shop was so famous and that you gotta queue to get a table. Location just accross Platinum Fashion Mall at Pratunam area Soi Petchuri 19.  We bought quite a number of tshirts from this mall. Similar to this mall, you may also opt for Union Mall, by MRT to Phahon Yohtin station.

There was this driver at the entrance to Grand Tower, Mr Manus Arronpong with a green Innova 8 seaters taxi, we found him very honest and uses meter all the time.  He could be contacted at 0922785598 or Line: jonat1966 or nanta_hack@yahoo.com

After the mall, we visited Erawan Shrine, had 60 minutes foot massage (THB300) at Chang Foot Massage located at Siam Square.  After massage, just a walking distance, you will reach Som Tam Nua, famous for its fried chicken, som tham and crispy fry fish with some drinks cost THB642 for 3 pax. Indulge in desert at After You Dessert Cafe at Siam Paragon.  Do try their Shibuya honey ferrero toast THB245 and Choco lava dark chocolate baby size THB155. If you are around this area, look for coconut shake stall (open 1 - 8 pm)  at Siam Square Soi 3, outside Digital Mall.

On Tuesday, 5th day,  we have pre-booked a car with driver (Tony) with Bangkok Beyond to Maeklong Railway Market located at Samut Songkhram province and Damnoen Sanuak Floating Market. Tony picked us from our at hotel at 7.30 am using a 10 seaters Toyota.  We arrived at Maeklong at 8.45 am, journey all depends on traffic, had our breakfast nearby and then waited for the train to pass through the market at 9.45 am.  The train will depart from the station at 10.20 am.  There will be an announcement 10 minutes prior to the arrival of train and the traders at the market would moved their stuff back from the rails for the train to cross.  And after the train had passed, they would lay again the stuff they were selling. 

Tony then drove us to Damnoen Sanuak Floating Market.  He enquired whether we wish to board the boat the Shang Jetty which was 1-2 km from the market and cost THB800 per boat.  Instead, we requested him to drop us at the floating market itself.  The lady there requested  us to pay THB1000 for a boat and I negotiated till THB500 per boat for the three of us.  If you have a better bargaining power, you may go as low as THB350 per boat. Tried their boat noodles or BBQ skewer.  Back to Bangkok, we had Tony dropped us at China Town/Sampheang Road for souvenir shopping and then seafood dinner at  TK Seafood,China Town. 

Busy Damnoen Sanuak Floating Market
On our 6th day, we had Mr Manus to drive us to Grand Palace, about 25 minutes from our hotel.  Then walked 10 minutes from Grand Palace to Wat Pho, Temple of Reclining Budha.  Entrance fee for Wat Pho was THB100 but there was a notice stated it would increase to THB200 in 2015.

Be careful of some Tuk- Tuk driver, one actually lied to us that Wat Pho and Wat Arun was closed half a day due to some local prayers and offered us a very cheap fare to take us around the nearby area to Laughing Buddha etc. We ignored and proceeded to Wat Pho which was actually opened.  Then we board boat (THB30 per person) from Tha Thien pier, a walking distance from Wat Pho and crossed the river to Wat Arun (entrance fee of THB50).  Be informed that you need to adhere to dress code, no short or sleeveless t-shirts.

After Wat Arun, we boarded ferry from Tha Thien to Central Pier (THB40 per person).  Then took BTS to Silom Complex for coffee break.  From Silom Complex, we proceeded to Silom Soi 19 Baan Silom before walking back to Silom Complex for dinner with my sister and her fiance. Do try their crispy pizza if you happen to visit Baan Silom.


Sweet, Succulent, Tender Meat at Tha Thien Pier 4 sticks for THB100


350 g Big Shrimp at Riverview
On our 7th day, Bangkok Beyond outsourced to Mee, a driver with Toyota Camry who came to pick us from our hotel at 8 am to Ayutthaya.  We had our breakfast at one of the restaurant at Ayutthaya.  According to Mee, it was a restaurant frequented by their Princess who loved the Pad Thai there.  After breakfast, we went to Wat Phra, a large temple that was quite thoroughly ransacked by the Burmese.  You could spot the famous tree that has grown around a Buddha head.  Entrance fee cost you THB50 and if you required audio, it would be THB100.  No strict dress code in Ayutthaya.

Then we were dropped off at Wat Lokayasutha, no entrance fee was required here before we left for Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, an ancient Royal Monastery, THB20 for entrance fee. There would be row of Buddha images all wearing saffron robes surrounding the huge Chedi/Stupa swathed in golden cloth.   We stopped at Ayutthaya Premium Outlet before our lunch at Ton Nam Riverview restaurant (near to Bang Pa In Palace, famous for big Fresh River Shrimp, the largest being 700 gm which cost you THB1300. Indeed very fresh and juicy.

After Ayutthaya, we told Mee to drop us back to hotel for a rest prior to our dinner with my sister opposite her apartment at Lat Phrao.

Mee's contact as follows if you want to get in touch for his service for beyond Bangkok at THB2,500 per day.
+66855548988
Facebook: Prasarn Ekthawornjaroenkit
Email: racingtu@yahoo.com
Line: meeluckykomkom
Vehicle : Toyota Camry

Our on last night there, we went shopping at Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, had brunch at their foodcourt before our massage at Health Land Spa (recommended), walking distance from Terminal 21 Mall. You may take MRT Sukhumvit or BTS Asok

Terminal 21 Shopping Mall


We then left for Chatuchak but since it was a Friday, not all shops were opened.  It was recommended to visit during Saturday or Sunday. 

Chatuchak market opening hours:  
Fri 6pm-12mn. Sat-Sun Open around 7-8am, and close at 6pm.  When we were there, my sister called us and suggested we meet at BTS On Nut and from there, we took a taxi to Talad Rot Fai near to Seacon Square.  We had our dinner at Banana Leave Thai Food Restaurant at Seacon Square.  And then visited Talad Rot Fai, quite a large area with a few pubs and shops selling clothing and other stuff. Indoor Market-Tuesday to Sunday, 3pm to 11pm. Outdoor Market-Friday to Sunday, 4pm to 12am

The next morning, we engaged Mr Manus to take us to Don Meung Airport.  Our hotel to the airport was about 25 minutes and Mr Manus had earlier quoted which we had agreed for THB500.  Fuss free VAT refund at the airport.

Bangkok was such a heaven for shopping, eating and massage. A great city to visit.
Check this out for recommended food in Bangkok:
http://aroimakmak.com/28-must-eat-bangkok/

Another place, Lopburi 2 hours North Bangkok if you have time for their sunflowers field at Amphoe Phattana Nikhom. The best to visit is November to February, early morning.